James Edward Lambert

James “Jim” Edward Lambert, 77, of Kannapolis, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Caremoor Retirement Community. 

Jim was born on October 27, 1948, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to the late Noah Edward Lambert and the late Dorothy Karriker. 

He was also preceded in death by Roger Tutterow, Randy Tutterow, and Betty Welch. 

The family will receive friends from 3:00–3:45 P.M. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Whitley’s Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 P.M. in Whitley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Kannapolis, officiated by Pastor Billy Honeycutt. Burial will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. at Salisbury National Cemetery with full military honors. 

Survivors include his children, Crystal Crook (Dale) of Kannapolis, NC; Jay Lambert (Keriette) of Concord, NC; and Nikki Lowder of Kannapolis, NC; grandchildren Jerod Dorton, Tyler Pless, Celeste Campbell, Peyton Lambert, Joseph Dorton, Tanner Lambert, Star Dula, and Olivia Mayo; great-grandchildren Nala Dorton, Holland Campbell, Stella Pless, Harlow Campbell, and Jéna Dorton; siblings Jan Heglar, Kathy Almond, and Hilda Smith; and his uncle, Linwood Butler, who was more like a brother. 

Jim served in the U.S. Navy from December 1968 to August 1973 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served his country with pride and was honorably discharged at the rank of E-6. After his military service, he continued serving his community as an officer with the Kannapolis Police Department. He later transitioned to truck driving for Winn-Dixie, Boddie-Noell and Food Lion, a career that allowed him to provide for and be present with his children. 

Jim was a devoted single father with a bold, lively sense of humor that guaranteed there was never a dull moment in his presence. He raised his three children with unwavering dedication and took tremendous pride in them. He cherished every bit of time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

He loved hosting Sunday dinners for the entire family and was an exceptional cook. For more than three decades, he enjoyed the loyal companionship of his African grey parrot Gabon. Jim loved NASCAR (a diehard Dale Earnhardt fan), Dallas Cowboys, fishing, model cars and airplanes, and country music. He was the steady center of his family, and his presence will be deeply missed, a good man whose love leaves a lasting mark. His grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Poppy,” will carry his stories and his laughter forward. 

Memorials may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). 

Whitley’s Funeral Home of Kannapolis is serving the Lambert family.